And many of those supposedly 'using' their brains who are anti-religion (really anti-Christian) wear crystals, talisman's, consult fortune tellers, astrologers, channeling, Tarot, I-Ching, shamans, etc, and employ all sorts of good-luck measures for their own well-being and good fortune. What is wrong with instead believing in a God who loves us and answers prayer to protect us from things that would do us harm? Certainly more reasonable than trusting the powers of a stone or a star formation!! Granted, the 'witch' should not have felt personally in danger but her powers should be opposed and her influence challenged....We're in a political battle of ideas right now...the Presidential election; and whatever one's position is then one exerts effort to promote that postion. Life is constantly a theatre of the tug-and-pull of right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, love vs. hate and we need to clarify situations to know how to promote health in our communities--and that takes spiritual discernment of what's really going on and spiritual battles are fought in prayer--NOT in the flesh. But if a person is not spiritually minded then they won't even see it.

So New Age types do cooler jewellery than you...I didn't really think that needed saying. Did you actually have a meaningful point, or are you just on a "my superstition is better than your superstition" moan?

You know, Christianity is not the only religion. There are more, alot more. And I like crystals and the Tarot, and I love astrology so in a way this is insulting to me. What's wrong with using such and such as a way to IMPROVE your good luck/good fortune? Besides, God answers prayers like...20 fucking years later and you could deem it as a coincidence if you wish.

"What is wrong with instead believing in a God who loves us and answers prayer to protect us from things that would do us harm?"

You're right! God has just about the same amount of power over this reality as a crystal hanging on someone's neck... that is to say none at all. Whether you wear crystals, read tarot or pray to god, in all of these instances you're wasting time invoking powers that simply do not exist.

oh, another case of a fundie who automatically thinks anyone who isn't a xtian is some sort of "witch" or something else equally as evil. please xtians do me a favor and stop speaking for me, okay? you don't know me. and this may come as a shock, but not everyone needs to believe in anything. GASP!!!!

Why should her powers have been opposed if she had any? And we can see those things so what is wrong with using them? Is it so different from using a cross? And what's wrong with believing in something that gives us the same comfort and protection as your god?

@ Illuminatalie: I'm Pagan, and never, ever see any demons. I do see plenty of evil in people around me, usually co-existing with good.

What is wrong with believing in this person's God is that you don't get to ask questions, or laugh, or switch techniques if you don't like the results of the first thing you tried, or credit yourself for your own good, hard work. Also, you end up sounding as stupid and mean-spirited as he does.

I doubt you'll find many atheists who believe that crystals, talismans, fortune tellers, astrologers, tarot cards, shamans, etc. are anything more than a load of garbage. We're skeptical of ANY ridiculous claim, not just Christianity's ridiculous claims.

"And many of those supposedly 'using' their brains who are anti-religion (really anti-Christian) wear crystals, talisman's, consult fortune tellers, astrologers, channeling, Tarot, I-Ching, shamans, etc, and employ all sorts of good-luck measures for their own well-being and good fortune."

Not me. I believe all of that is just as credible as your religious hooey.

"What is wrong with instead believing in a God who loves us and answers prayer to protect us from things that would do us harm?"

Mind if I ask you what the difference is in believing some magic charm is going to give you good luck and babbling to yourself while calling it "prayer" in order to ask your deity to make things go your way?

"Certainly more reasonable than trusting the powers of a stone or a star formation!!"

As has been pointed out, at least we can see such things. If I were an unsophisticated primitive who was ignorant of how reality actually works I would be far more inclined to worship a star or stone than a deity whom I can't even see.

"But if a person is not spiritually minded then they won't even see it."

Rationality also makes it impossible to see such things. As does taking your meds.

This Christian is pissed because somebody's supernatural beliefs are more interesting then their own supernatural beliefs.
By the way, tim, have you checked the poles? Looks like McCain is losing the battle right now. Perhaps your prayers aren't working so well right now....

You could support health in the communities by helping me get insurance. I get the honor of being a single, white, unemployed, not pregnant, woman with a chronic pain condition. I just got all the rejection letters in the mail and Obama's plan doesn't include me either.

Let's work on PHYSICAL health first... Mmmmm'K? Then I won't think you're a nutjob.

There are other religions out there, Tim. Don't be so damned arrogant. I personally think you and your kind pooh-pooh over us pagans because we have cooler accessories than you Christians. Get over it.